A SHOWDOWN meeting took place between embattled Christchurch MP Sir Christopher Chope and the local party chairman this week.

Sir Christopher has been embroiled in a row since he objected to the passage of the ‘upskirting’ bill in Parliament last Friday.

The MP, who previously represented Southampton Itchen from 1983 to 1992, caused those backing the bill to label him a “dinosaur”.

Christchurch and East Dorset Conservative Association chairman Cllr Ray Bryan said a "constructive" and "informative" meeting had taken place, and the MP was scheduled to meet with senior local party officials next month to explain his actions.

Asked whether the 71-year-old would be reselected as Christchurch candidate in the next General Election, Cllr Bryan said: "It is too early to say, we wouldn't be making a decision in any event until an election is called."

However he said he would be "taking soundings" from party members over the coming months.